Self adjusting contoured strap device and method

ABSTRACT

Novel devices and methods are provided to dispense the load of a bag or case across a user&#39;s shoulder when the user attached a strap to the bag or case. The devices and methods provide a segmented tensile assembly to disperse the load of a bag or case uniformly across the user&#39;s body.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/155,787 filed Feb. 26, 2009, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The embodiments of the present invention relate generally to bags andcases for holding electronic equipment or other valuables. Morespecifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to improvedstraps to assist in carrying bags and cases.

BACKGROUND

Bags, satchels, purses, softcases, backpacks, side packs, hip packs,fanny packs, messenger bags and bags in general may be used for storingand or transporting electronic equipment or other valuables. Such bagsand cases must have handles, straps, or other means to carry them. Oftenstraps are positioned over the shoulder or around the user's neck. Ifthe straps are not ergonomically well-designed carrying the bag or caseby its strap may be uncomfortable for the user. Consumers desire topurchase bags and cases that not only properly store the intendedcontents, but that are also comfortable to carry. Embodiments of thepresent invention provide novel straps that adjust to the user's bodystructure to make a bag or case more comfortable to carry.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, astrap for carrying a bag is provided. The device includes: an elongatedmember having a first side and a second side, at least two segmentedpads, at least two clips for attaching the at least two segmented padsto the elongated member, a first material covering the first side of theelongated member and a top side of the at least two clips; and a secondmaterial covering the second side of the elongated member and the atleast two segmented pads.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a methodfor dispersing the weight of a bag or case being carried is provided.The method includes: providing a segmented foam member; attaching thesegmented foam member to a tensile webbing wherein the segmented foammember is attached using clips; attaching a foam sheet to the segmentedfoam member on the side opposite the clips, and covering the segmentedfoam member and clips with mesh.

Other and further features and advantages of the embodiments of thepresent invention will be apparent from the following descriptions ofthe various embodiments. It will be understood by one of ordinary skillin the art that the following embodiments are provided for illustrativeand exemplary purposes only, and that numerous combinations andmodification of the elements of the various embodiments of the presentinvention are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings,like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the variousfigures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of embodiments of the present invention,reference is made to the following Detailed Description, which is to beread in association with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a strap in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the strap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the strap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a clip for use in the strap of FIG. 1;and

FIGS. 5A and 5B are top views of a contouring mechanism for use in oneembodiment of the strap of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is multiple views of a clip in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the present invention are described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form apart hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplaryembodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Among other things, the present invention may beembodied as systems, or devices. Moreover, the embodiments should not beinterpreted as limited to bags or cases, such is merely provided forease of understanding. The following detailed description is, therefore,not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein doesnot necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may.Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, asdescribed below, various embodiments of the invention may be readilycombined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” The term“coupled” implies that the elements may be directly connected togetheror may be coupled through one or more intervening elements.

Further, throughout the specification the term bag may be used, however,this is not intended to be used in a limiting sense and bags include butare not limited to satchels, purses, softcases, backpacks, side packs,hip packs, fanny packs, messenger bags and bags in general for storingand or transporting items.

Aspects of embodiments of the present invention may be implemented withan infinite variety of bag or cases. Embodiments of the straps describedherein may be included as the original strap on a bag, or as a retrofitor replacement strap for a bag, or as an alternate strap for a baghaving a shorter handle, or other strap.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a strap 100 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The strap 100includes a top cover 102 and a bottom cover 104. The top cover 102 maybe constructed out of any textile material that is flexible and haselasticity such that it stretches and deforms and then return to itsoriginal size and shape. It may also be constructed from synthetic orsemi-synthetic polymerization products, or other pliable or malleablesubstances so long as such is flexible and elastic. Preferably but notnecessarily, the top cover 102 has perforations, for example preferablyit has a mesh like structure (shown). More preferably the top cover 102is constructed from a stretch mesh material. The bottom cover 104 may beconstructed out of any textile material, that is flexible and haselasticity such that it stretches and deforms and then return to itsoriginal size and shape. It may also be constructed from synthetic orsemi-synthetic polymerization products, or other pliable or malleablesubstances so long as such is flexible and elastic. The bottom cover 104and/or the top cover 102 may optionally be constructed from a threedimensional mesh material as depicted. This mesh is not however intendedto be a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention.

Between the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 lies an elongatedmember 106. The elongated member 106 may be constructed from any textilematerial that is flexible and has sufficient strength to support the“dead weight/hang weight” of the bag or case to which the strap isattached. The elongated member may also be constructed from synthetic orsemi-synthetic polymerization products, however such materials are lesspreferred. Preferably, the elongated member 106 is constructed of anylon webbing that may be deformed. More preferably, the elongatedmember is a tensile webbing. Preferably the elongated member is 10 mmwide. While 10 mm may be the preferred width, this is not intended to bea limitation on the width of the elongated member and various widths arecontemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the presentinvention. The width may be greater or less depending on the desiredstrength of the strap 100 and its intended use. Preferably the width isbetween 5 mm and 20 mm. The elongated member 106 has a first end 108 anda second end 110. Attached to the first end 108 and the second end 110of the elongated member 106 are narrow flat strips of a flexiblematerial 112, 114 that are used to create a loop. The flat strips of aflexible material 112, 114 may be attached directly to the elongatedmember. Alternatively, the flat strips of a flexible material 112, 114may be attached through the use of a connecting or coupling device or bycoupling it with an alternate textile or material. Preferably the narrowflat strips of a flexible material 112, 114 are constructed of nylonwebbing. Preferably the nylon webbing is 50 mm wide. While 50 mm may bethe preferred width, this is not intended to be a limitation on thewidth of the flat strips of flexible materials and various widths arecontemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the presentinvention. The width may be greater or less depending on the desiredstrength of the strap 100. Preferably the width is between 25 mm and 75mm. The loop is created by feeding the narrow flat strips of flexiblematerial 112, 114 through snap hooks or other coupling means members116, 118. The coupling means 116, 118 enable the strap 100 to beconnected or coupled to a bag or case. The coupling means 116, 118 maybe constructed from a variety of materials including but not limited tofiberglass, metallic substances, synthetic or semi-syntheticpolymerization products. The length of the loops created from the narrowflat strips of flexible material may be adjusted by sliding an adjustingloop 120, 122 along the length of the narrow flat strips 120, 122.Although the embodiment is described with loops created from the flatstrips of flexible material, other coupling means are contemplatedwithin the scope of the embodiments of the present invention includingbut not limited to buckles, clips, and metal loops.

Attached to the elongated member are multiple clips 128(a. . . n). Theclips 128(a . . . n) are described in greater detail in conjunction withFIG. 4 herein. Secured to each clip 128(a . . . n) is a shock absorbingpad 124(a . . . n), as depicted the pads are segmented foam pads. Thepads 124(a . . . n) may be constructed from any material which providescushioning, is flexible, deformable and may absorb energy. Preferablythe pads 124(a . . . n) are made from ethylene vinyl acetate foam.Preferably the ethylene vinyl acetate foam is 10 mm in thickness. While10 mm may be the preferred thickness, this is not intended to be alimitation on the thickness of the cushioning material and variousthicknesses are contemplated within the scope of the embodiments of thepresent invention. The thickness may be greater or less depending on thedesired cushioning. Furthermore, although depicted as having uniformthickness, the pads 124(a . . . n) may have varying thickness, i.e., maybe contoured. Although the pads 124(a . . . n) are depicted as octagonalin shape, this shape is not intended to be a limitation on the scope ofthe embodiments of present invention. It is contemplated that the pads124(a . . . n) may be of any geometry and size as long as the pads 124(a. . . n) are larger in size than the clips 128(a . . . n) so that noclip 128(a . . . n) extends beyond the surface of the pad 124(a . . . n)on which it rests. The shape of the pad 124(a . . . n) is ergonomicallydesigned to compliment a user's body. Although the strap 100 is depictedas having seven clips 108(a . . . n) and seven pads 124(a . . . n), thisis not intended to be a limitation on the number of clips or padscontemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the presentinvention and there may be less or more depending on the size of thestrap. The pads 124(a . . . n), clips 128(a . . . n) and the elongatedmember 106 form a segmented tensile assembly 500, FIG. 5.

Between the pads 124(a . . . n) and the bottom cover 104, is a length ofsoft cushioning material 126. Although a preferred embodiment comprisesthe cushioning material 126, the cushioning material is optional. Thecushioning material 126 is preferably a piece of open cell foam.Preferably the open cell foam is 5 mm thick. While 5 mm may be thepreferred thickness, this is not intended to be a limitation on thethickness of the cushioning material and various thicknesses arecontemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the presentinvention. The thickness may be greater or less depending on the desiredcushioning. The cushioning material 126, provides further cushioning ofthe strap 100 when placed around a user's neck or shoulder.

FIG. 2 is a top view 200 of the strap 100 of FIG. 1. As depicted in FIG.2, the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 are bound together tocreate a pocket for holding the segmented tensile assembly 500.Preferably, the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 are boundtogether with an elastic webbing 202 or other elastic material using astitch that is secure, for example a zigzag stitch 204. Alternatematerials may be used to bind the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104provided such material is flexible and is capable of recovering itsshape after it is deformed. Further, while described as stitched, thetop cover 102 and bottom cover 104 may be bound by other means,including flexible adhesives, mechanical connections (hooks, snaps, etc)or any other means. The encased segmented tensile assembly 500 (asdiscussed below) is coupled to the flat strips of a flexible material112, 114 by means of a bartack 206 or other reinforced sticking to adurable material 208 such as leather, vinyl, nylon, or reinforcedtextile material. Alternatively (not shown), the segmented tensileassembly 500 may be coupled directly to the flat strips of a flexiblematerial 112, 114 by means of a mechanical connector such as a snap,buckle, clasp, button, or hook or by using such connectors to attach thesegmented tensile assembly 500 to the durable material 206.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view 300 of the strap 100 of FIG. 1. As depicted inFIG. 3, the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 are bound together tocreate a pocket for holding the segmented tensile assembly. Preferably,the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 are bound together with anelastic webbing 202 or other elastic material using a stitch that issecure, for example a zigzag stitch 204 as described in conjunction withFIG. 2. The bottom cover 104 may be complimented with a nonslip material308 such as polyurethane or rubber to prevent the assembly from slippingoff the user's neck, shoulder, etc., while being carried by the user.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a clip 400 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The clip 400 may be constructedfrom synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerization products, or othermoldable, pliable or malleable substances. The clip 400 has a top side402 and a bottom side 404. The top side 402 is comprised of two elements406, 412. Although described as comprised of two elements, it iscontemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the presentinvention that the two elements may be constructed as a single elementhaving two parts. The two pieces 406, 412 each have a first end 408, 414and a second end 410, 416. The top side pieces 406, 412 may be a taperedshape such that the thickness at the second end 410, 416 is thinner thanthe thickness at the first end 408, 414. Preferably the difference inthickness is substantial. For example the second end 408, 414 may be onethird or less of the thickness at the second end 410, 416. The secondends 410, 416 of the top side pieces connect with the bottom side 404.The top side of the top side piece 406, 412 at the second end 410, 416optionally has grooves 408(a . . . n), 414(a . . . n). Grooves 408(a . .. n) and 414(a . . . n) assist in reinforcing the clip between needlestrikes (when the assembly is sewn together.) The joining of the fabric,helps to prevent the cover from slipping. Still further the grooves408(a . . . n), 414(a . . . n) may assist in preventing a fabric coverfrom slipping along the clip 400. Although the clip 400 is depictedgenerally as rectangular, this geometry is not intended to be alimitation on the shape of the clip 400. The clip geometry may vary solong as it is configured to hold the elongated member.

The second end 408, 414 of the top side piece 406, 412 has a tab 418,420. Although depicted as a rectangular shaped tab with rounded corners,the geometry of the tabs as shown is not intended to be a limitation onthe scope of the embodiment of the present invention. The tab may be ofvarying geometry, it may be semi-circular, triangular, square or anyother shape, it may also be irregular in shape. Regardless of the shape,the tab must be of such a size, shape and proportion that the elongatedmember 106 inserted between the top side pieces 416, 412 will be remainbetween and beneath the tabs 418, 420.

In one embodiment, the two top side pieces 406, 412 are of a constantthickness (not shown). If the top side pieces 406, 412 are of a constantthickness, then a support structure is provided so that a ramp likestructure is created sloping from a first end down to a second end. Inthis embodiment, a support structure (not shown) is provided for theelongated member while it lies between the top side pieces.

In a preferred embodiment, the clip 400 is 6 cm in length and 1.5 cm inwidth. At the ends 410 and 416, preferably the thickness is 0.20 cm. Thedistance between the tabs 418, 420 is preferable 0.39 cm and thethickness of each tab 418, 420 is preferably 0.15 cm. If grooves areprovided for at the ends 410, 416, preferably each groove length is 0.7cm and its depth is 0.06 cm. An embodiment depicting such preferreddimensions of a clip 600 is provided in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, “A” depicts atop view of the clip 600, “B” depicts a side view of the clip 600, and“C” depicts an end view of the clip 600. Specific cross-section aredepicted in D and E. The above dimensions are provided for exemplarypurposes only and as such are not intended to be a limitation on theembodiments of the present invention. The dimension dimensions may belarger or smaller. In preferred embodiments such lengths/dimensions areproportionately scaled.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are top views of an internal contouring mechanism inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A depictsthe segmented tensile assembly 500 in a relaxed state while FIG. 5Bdepicted the segmented tensile assemble 502 in a deformed state, forexample when the assembly is adjusting to the user's body. As shown thesegmented assembly may deform in multiple directions.

Conventional straps are either straight or have a preformed curve shape.Straight straps do not conform to the wearer's body. This results inuneven loading of the weight of the bag on the wearer's body. Preformedcurve straps conform to the user's shoulders well when worn with the padon the shoulder opposite the bag, i.e., when the strap crosses thewearer's body diagonally. However, when a preformed curve strap is wornon the same side of the body as the bag, the curved strap tends to tiltso that one edge bears down on the wearer's shoulder. As a result, theload of the bag is placed along a narrow line, which can creatediscomfort for a user. The embodiments of the present invention utilizea novel segmented tensile assembly and novel clip to create a selfadjusting strap that contours to the shape of the wearer's body. Thestrap is able to match the wearer's body because of its novel segmentedfoam construction and the tensile webbing around which the segments maymove freely. Moreover, the clips which couple the webbing to thesegmented foam spread the load over the full width of the foam padding.

Although described as a neck or shoulder strap, such uses are notintended to be a limitation on the present invention. The novel strapcould also be implemented as a waist strap, back-pack strap, seatbelt,or any other strap or holding configuration. Furthermore, while theembodiments of the present invention are intended for use by humans,alternative configurations of the device are contemplated within thescope of the present invention so that such device could be used byanimals

As noted previously the forgoing descriptions of the specificembodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description.They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variationsare possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosenand described in order to explain the principles of the invention andits practical applications, to thereby enable those skilled in the artto best utilize the invention and various embodiments thereof as suitedto the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

1. A strap for carrying a bag comprising: an elongated member having afirst side and a second side and a first end and a second end; at leasttwo segmented pads; at least two clips for attaching the at least twosegmented pads to the elongated member; a first material covering thefirst side of the elongated member and a top side of the at least twoclips; and a second material covering the second side the elongatedmember and the at least two segmented pads.
 2. The strap of claim 1,further comprising: a cushioning material between the at least twosegmented pads and the second material.
 3. The strap of claim 1, whereinthe first material and the second material are a mesh material.
 4. Thestrap of claim 1, further comprising: a first flexible material coupledto the first end; and a second flexible material couple to the secondend.
 5. The strap of claim 1, wherein the elongated member comprises adeformable material.
 6. A method for dispersing the weight of a bag orcase comprising: providing a segmented foam member; attaching a firstsurface of the segmented foam member to a tensile webbing; and coveringthe first surface of the segmented foam member with mesh.
 7. The methodof claim 5, wherein the segmented foam member is attached with clips. 8.The method of claim 6, further comprising; covering a second surface ofthe segmented foam member with mesh.,
 9. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising: attaching a foam sheet to the segmented foam member on thesecond surface of the segmented foam member.
 10. The method of claim 6,wherein the clips are covered with mesh.